Tweeters gather offline to aid shelter

Rikki Kite, Lawrence, tweets at the Lawrence Twestival at Joe Schmo’s, 724 Mass. The event raised money for the Lawrence Humane Society. “People think Twitter is really random and anonymous, but it’s actually a great way to meet people that you have something in common with,” says Kite, associate publisher of Linux Pro Magazine.

The event allowed online friends to form in-person connections and helped the Humane Society forge a stronger online identity, said Ben Smith, organizer of the Lawrence Twestival and social media manager for the Lawrence Journal-World.

“For the people that are connected online, it’s a chance for them to connect offline and actually come together,” Smith said. “They’re developing relationships, and we’re bringing people together to do something positive.”

The Humane Society is planning to create a Twitter account after observing the event’s turnout.

“Look at all of the people here tonight, and there were no radio spots, there were only a few articles in the newspaper,” said Lindsey Taylor, donations coordinator for the Humane Society. “Most of these people are here because they read about it on Twitter. So as far as Twitter being able to do things for the greater good of the community or an organization, I think it’s great.”

We at the Lawrence Humane Society are just really, really grateful for all the folks that came out to support the shelter and all the "fuzzies" that need to be fed and cared for, while they await a new home. Many thanks to all!!!